PREVIEW: The Atlanta Hawks have gone 6-2 without Trae Young and won three straight games for the first time this season , bringing renewed energy to their playoff push. The Hawks rank first in high spacing on offense and first in passing , creating an environment where ball movement becomes their greatest weapon against opposing defenses. Their most recent victory saw them steamroll the Kings 133-100 , demonstrating the kind of dominance they can achieve when executing at peak efficiency. Jalen Johnson continues to anchor the offense with stellar play, while Onyeka Okongwu and Zaccharie Risacher provide efficient scoring contributions from the supporting cast. Utah's defense ranks among the league's worst, sitting 25th in points allowed and 26th in steals , creating an ideal matchup for Atlanta's offensive schemes. The Jazz struggle defensively across multiple dimensions, ranking 30th in three-point defense and 30th against shots attacking the rim , vulnerabilities that should play directly into the Hawks' hands. Lauri Markkanen remains Utah's primary offensive engine, averaging a career-high 28.3 points on impressive efficiency , giving the Jazz at least one reliable scoring option. Both squads operate at the second and third-fastest pace in the league, suggesting an uptempo affair that could feature significant scoring from both sides.